Are there any Hares on Hare Hill?

As you know, last weekend saw me searching for boxing hares in March. I had no luck. Surely if hares were anywhere to be found then I'd find them hopping on Hare Hill?

Ok, so I hadn't even started my walk but how could I resist the temptation of iced sticky ginger cake and and cuppa in the fresh air?
And with a such view across the Cheshire countryside over to the city of Manchester I felt I had a good excuse to stop before I'd really not got any further than the car park! I feel so lucky to live within easy striking distance of peaceful countryside and vibrant city life.

So hare spotting I went!

Hare Hill is a mixture of woodland and a hidden garden with interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Soon the area would be ablaze with the colour of more than 70 varieties of rhododendrons ...but that attracts the crowds. For now it was so tranquil.

A sort of insect hotel had been created. I didn't like to think what would be lurking amongst the rubble! Perhaps one day a perfect spot to take close-up macro shots. But not today. I was looking for larger creatures.

I was surprised to discover a few bees bumbling around the hive. Unusually we've not seen any snow around here but the mild winter has protected the bee colony. I made a mental note to visit Brian the Beekeeper another day.

In a woodland clearing stood a bird hide with a quirky handle. Not many birds around and no hares either.

An old walled garden hidden in the depths of the woodland.

There was evidence of new growth around the garden but mainly the walls were bare revealing the warm textures and colours of the old brickwork.

And of course interesting light and shadow to capture.
This seat may not be the most comfortable but it fits perfectly in the surroundings.

There was a certain shabbiness to it which was appealing.

No gardeners in sight just yet. It won't be long… I tried to straighten this slightly in Lightroom 5 but it couldn't cope with handles and tried to make them vertical! Let's just say it turned out abstract!

The seedlings by the old potting shed have been protected from the elements by layers of oak leaves.

I love old garden twine - so rustic. Remember my postcard to Emma last week? So the burning question is whether I finally managed to spot boxing hares in March?

Well yes indeed I did! But not quite what I had in mind!

Apparently the real hares are shy!

I hope you enjoyed my walk around the enchanting Hare Hill in Over Alderley. I feel like I've been recharged by the sunshine. Roll on springtime!

The gardens here were originally part of Hare Hill Hall built in the early 1800s. They are now looked after by the National Trust. Often overshadowed by the nearby more well-known mystical Alderley Edge, they're well worth visiting. There's even a trail of carved hare sculptures to follow.

I'd love you to link up with me below and show me where you've been. Have you managed to get out and about yet in your part of the world or is the cold still keeping you indoors?